MARCHE DU FILM 2025 PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION
French in Motion is proud to announce its official partnership and mentorship role with the Africa USA International Film Festival (AUIFF) and the France USA International Film Festival (FUIFF), which will host their first-ever French edition this summer in Cannes. The announcement will take place during a press conference on Thursday, May 15, at the Pavillon Afriques (Pavilion #203, International Village, Pantiero) as part of the Marché du Film at the Festival de Cannes.
If you are attending the Cannes Film Festival and have a Marché du Film accreditation, you are warmly invited to join us for this special event.
👇 More details below.
PRESS RELEASE
Africa USA International Film Festival (AUIFF) announces inaugural French edition at Cannes
PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location : Pavillon Afriques - Pavilion 203 - Pantiero / The International Village
Admission: Free with mandatory RSVP | Marché du Film Cannes Film Festival accreditation required
CANNES, FRANCE May 12th, 2025 – The team behind the Africa USA International Film Festival (AUIFF) is delighted to announce the launch of its first French edition, set to take place in Cannes from August 7 to 12, 2025, at the Les Arcades Cinema.
ABOUT AUIFF
Founded in Los Angeles in 2012 by Mame Toucouleur Mbaye (Honorary Consul of Senegal in Los Angeles) and Vérane Jackie Deschamps, the AUIFF celebrates an independent cinema and intercultural connection. The festival aims to bridge African and American creative communities, promoting inclusion, emerging voices, and global dialogue through film.
Since their creation, AUIFF and France USA International Film Festival (FUIFF) have moved forward together, united by a shared mission: to spotlight emerging talent and foster exchange between African, American, and French cinema. This year’s press conference puts the spotlight on AUIFF and its strong commitment to African and diaspora filmmaking.
2025 Festival Highlights for its first edition in France
50+ premiere films by African and diaspora filmmakers
Industry panels, roundtables, and Q&As
AN INTERNATIONAL TEAM IN ATTENDANCE:
Mame Toucouleur Mbaye – President of AUIFF, Consul of Senegal in Los Angeles, President of the Association of Spouses of the Consular Corps of LA
Natalie Beasneal – Actress, humanitarian activist, executive producer, and sponsor of AUIFF
Dana Drasser – Actress, producer, Executive Director of AUIFF - USA
Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún – Nigerian filmmaker, academic linguist, sponsor, and curator
Peter Takla – Egyptian filmmaker, author, and producer
Richard Dale Murphy – Actor, writer, Executive Producer of AUIFF - USA
Meral Melika Duran – Producer, Vice President, International Relations, Diversity and Inclusion of AUIFF
Martine Melloul – French producer based in Los Angeles, launched the Los Angeles chapter of French in Motion in 2021. French In Motion is a partner and “mentor” of the festival
Nadia Meflah – Director of AUIFF - France
Mike Sylla – Internationally renowned Senegalese fashion designer, Artistic Director of AUIFF
Mira Victor – Egyptian actress and journalist, Media Coordinator for LACCSA
PARTNERS
Africa USA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, USA – www.pagtic.com
Africa USA International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghana &Kenya – www.africacham.org
French in Motion - www.frenchinmotion.org
PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS
Attendees: Press, industry professionals, festival partners (with Marché du Film accreditation)
RSVP mandatory: Please confirm attendance by May 14, 2025, at this email address: franceusaintfilmfest@gmail.com
A cocktail reception will follow the press briefing. Join us in celebrating the vision behind AUIFF 2025 and meet the team behind this cultural event.
Official Website: africausaintfilmfest.com
Follow & tag us:
Instagram: africausaintl_filmfestival
Hashtags: #AUIFF2025 #CinemaWithoutBorders #Cannes2025 #AfricaUSAInternational Film Festival #FranceUSAInternationalFilmFestival
Contacts
Jackie Verane Deschamps
franceusaintfilmfest@gmail.com
French cell: +33 (0)6 01 02 47 27 - US Cell +1(323) 229-849